Central Park 4M Recap

Another PR in the books!  Though I wasn’t feeling great and it was hot as heck out, I still banged out a decent race.  This also marked the first race that I ran for Prospect Park Track Club.

First mile was uneventful…the usual crowding but that helped in not taking Cat Hill too quickly.
Second mile I finally found my groove and space after the crowd thinned.  I also felt really hot.  Not quite ready for summer running.
Third mile was hilly.  Ugh.  Everyone struggled with this mile, so at least I wasn’t alone.  Hilly and hot.  I also passed a lot of PPTC people cheering so that helped.
Fourth mile was a bit better but I felt like I was going to throw up and my whole body was heavy.  Too damn hot.

Overall it was a great race despite feeling like I didn’t give it my all.  Found Steve, Judy, and Frank after to compare race notes and find brunch.  You’d be surprised how many places don’t serve brunch at 9 am…  We stumbled upon Cafe Ronda and fatty awesome breakfast was found.  I don’t eat eggs, but French toast is *always* an exception.

New York Mini 10K Review

Huzzah! New 10K PR…which wasn’t that difficult since I rarely run 10ks. Regardless, I’ll take it. I’m still in my “relax” mode so I haven’t been really training, just trying to keep active. Even though I’m not in training mode, I couldn’t miss this 10K! Not only is it a historical female only race, it was my first race in NYC 4 years ago and I’ve run it every year since.

I gave the race a decent and consistent effort despite not really being in running shape. Unfortunately my Garmin lost signal before the start and my iPod didn’t work the entire race so that through me for a loop. I don’t need music to run, I was just frustrated that my iPod was fully charged and worked on the subway. The first mile is flat and first so I figured I would push hard until the harlem hills, conserve energy on miles 3 and 4, and push it home for 5 and 6. I guess that worked. It was rough between miles 3 and 4. The air was so thick that I felt sticky and heavy the entire race, especially on the uphills. On the flip side, the entire course was covered with spectators cheering on the runners. A lot of teams had on the Grete shirt in addition to flags, bells, and thundersticks. I passed Steve with less than a mile to go in the race. High fived and brought it in.

Met up with Steve after and lost Lisa somewhere in the shuffle. We stuck around a bit to watch the awards ceremony before I had to take a bus to Philly. Before the winners were announced, Mary Wittenberg and Katherine Switzer spoke which was pretty awesome. Deena Kastor also ran, I didn’t see her, but Steve got a high five from her when she passed him. Overall, I felt pretty decent about the race. Even though I didn’t feel prepared, I ran hard and have a new PR to mark my efforts.

The stats:
Total Finishers: Men – 0 Women – 4750 Total – 4750
Weather: 69 degrees, 96% humidity, overcast.
Yes, 96% humidity. Ridiculous.

The map:

Elevation:

Splits:

Redemption

Last night, I had two scares. One, I dreamt that I had a Spanish final that I didn’t prepare for and I panicked since I don’t know Spanish or Spanish Law and no one knew which of the two the final covered. I also woke up in the middle of the night and thought someone was standing over my window. I have my curtains gathered in the middle of each pane so it looked like a fat man’s legs dangling. I seriously sat up staring at my window confused and wondering if I was about to die.

Needless to say. I didn’t sleep well afterwards thanks to either account. I set my alarm for 7 am and woke up at 8 am instead. I aimed for 18 miles and only tallied off 14. AT least I know that my legs still work…?

I started off the morning with coffee and boats (banana oats). In the bowl… oatmeal, oat bran, chia seeds, plain greek yogurt, mango greek yogurt, crushed almonds, soy milk, and a banana.

As usual, I didn’t *feel* like running, so I was a bit sluggish getting out the door. I kept telling myself that once I started, I’d feel a lot better about it. Of course I did, for the first 12 miles. I know I’ve done this to myself. Running just hasn’t been a priority with the move, school, work, and the weather. Excuses, but none the less valid excuses. When I signed up for the Delaware Marathon 6 months ago I was hoping it would be a PR race, but that was before everything got crazier than usual. I’m just trying to make it as less of a shitshow as possible.

I didn’t really have a plan, I decided that I’ll run over the Brooklyn Bridge then figure it out from there. I also brought a metrocard with me since I didn’t know where I’d end up, but also so I’d have an escape plan if I became completely miserable.

A few notes from the run…
Fucking tourists on the Brooklyn Bridge. LOOK AT THE PHOTOS!!! Bikers to the inside, pedestrians to the outside. I do NOT want to get run over by a bike because your heifer carcass and flock are taking up the entire lane to study your map of NYC. MEH! Also, I’m running. I do not want to take your photo. There were hundreds of tourists out at 9 am, ask one of them.

I felt good. I wanted to take it slow, but with the lack of running I’ve done over the past few months, I’m surprised that I didn’t really struggle.

I ran along the Hudson River. Then I ran in Central Park.
My feet hurt. I think I’m overdue for new shoes. Not an achy hurt, but a “I can really feel the ground and lack of support from my kicks.”

It was hot. I’m used to running in below 40 degree weather since it’s been so damn cold in the morning. It takes your body about 2 weeks to acclimate to warmth, so I was unprepared. I’ve been running in tights and long sleeves lately, even shorts and a tee was a complete shock.

Tourists were everywhere in Central Park. I was not amused. I don’t mind the tourists, I mind the rude tourists.

My legs were like lead from mile 10 on. At mile 12 I just wanted to stop. I was tired and hungry and hot and thirsty. Only a few water fountains were on so I went longer than usual without taking water which made me cranky.

Once I got back to the west side of the park at 72nd I decided to stop at 14 instead of subjecting myself to 4 more miserable miles. Surprisingly I didn’t run as slow as I thought I did, I just don’t think I could have gone any further with tired feet and lead legs. But 14 is better than the 0′s I’ve been tallying!! Also, spinning workouts DO NOT make up for running. Hard lesson learned. Thanks to friends venting on Twitter, I noticed that many others didn’t have great runs this morning so I don’t feel too badly about the forgotten four miles.

Came home, showered, took a nap, read some Civ Pro, watched some of the Flyers game (it’s tied now, COME ON.), and after the game it’s all about Crim Law. Joy. I thought a lot during my run, especially about the issues I wrote about yesterday. Still conflicted, time will tell.

And lastly, these things are like crack. I’m certain I’ll finish the bag tonight. Brain fuel. Also, my legs hurt.

NYRR Mini 10K recap

A few weeks ago I ran a 10K PR, woot woot. I did this not only by barely running since the NJ Marathon that turned into a half, but also by not eating dinner the night before, drinking heavily for hours after work, and eating Reese Cups at midnight. This my friends, is how to race like a champ. All were unintentional though, but perhaps I’m onto something.

I love running the NYRR Mini. I ran in it 2008, which reawakened my love for running. I ran a few miles here and there after running cross country and track in high school and ran this race in 2008 on a whim. Here we are two years later and I’ve finished two marathons, volunteer with NYRR, ran about 20 races a year, and have logged hundreds of miles since. It’s my homecoming race.

I felt like crap when I woke up, I’m sure the beer and chocolate were to blame. I left my apartment late, as usual, and grabbed the wrong headphones for my iPod shuffle . What was going to be a leisurely 2 mile warm up to the start ended up being a hustle so I could make bag check and the starting gun. Also, I was in the second corral. Out of ten. I’m really not that fast, but apparently NYRR likes to shove me up front for these big races. At least there are less people to run though.

The first mile ran up Central Park West and was wicked fast. I was just going to run this to finish, I certainly wasn’t racing it, and I definitely didn’t feel like I was flying. The second mile approached Harlem Hills and I was still running faster than expected and felt perfectly fine aside from a headache. It was ridiculously hot so I think I just wanted to get this run over with and the faster I ran, the sooner I could sit down and hydrate. Miles three and four were still under pace despite being hilly and in the sun. Then I hustled from mile five until the end and ended up beating my personal record by over three and a half minutes. Surprisingly I wasn’t spent at the end. Maybe I’m doing something right with my marathon training!

Here’s a fun video from the race:

And so it begins…

As of Monday, I’m in fall marathon training mode. I had an extreme internal battle between starting on a Monday or starting on the first of the month. Monday won. Technically I’m doing 3 weeks of pre-training to re-establish my mileage and get back into the swing of running regularly and early.

If you don’t know, I’m running three marathons this fall. As well as working. And school. And everything else that makes for a happy life. Bring it on.

I think I’ve explained previously, but the reason I’m running three is because NYC is a BEAST and I know I’ll be mentally discouraged if I have a low time. Plus with 40,000+ other runners, it’s more about the experience that it is time. I wanted a flat and local marathon and Hartford is a month prior and is considered the greenest race in the US. I also signed up for Philly on November 21 because I loved that race and have friends running it this year. Also, if you run three marathons within three months, you’re considered a “marathon maniac”. The prize is a bright yellow shirt. Hartford and Philly also host halves so if I’m injured, tired, or not prepared, I can drop down in distance. And maybe I’ll qualify for Boston at one of the races…?!?!

I must give a shout out to Miss Brit who is not only becoming a runner, she also signed up for her first race – the Philadelphia Half! I’m so proud of her! Between Laurie and I keeping her on track by virtually training with her, I’m confident she’ll smash her expectations.

I started off this training cycle with an easy 4 miler around the reservoir. I took it slow, didn’t experience any pain, and was surprised when I kicked off my shoes and saw something missing… Ignore my veiny feet, I’m gross and dirty. Perfectly fitting that on day one I experience a running mishap. Whatevs, toenails are unnecessary.

And if you want to check out my training plan and keep me in line, here’s a PDF of my weeks. The days with the red triangle indicate either a race or a specific speed workout.

Miranda’s Marathon Plan

Scotland Run 10K recap (and things NOT to do in a race)

Without trying, I PRed in the 10K by 19 seconds. Woot! I counted the race as port of a longish run. I ran 3 miles to the start, completed the 10K, and ran a 2 mile cool down back to my apartment. I had no intention of pushing myself as I have 18 miles on today’s agenda.

The weather was perfect for a run in Central Park and it was amazing to pass so many people walking, running, biking, rollerblading, etc in the park early on a Saturday morning. It was just another visual reminder on why this part and city is so wonderful.

As I approached the start, my left knee started aching again and my left hip became tight. Ugh, not fun. I plugged on through the race as the pain was slight and tolerable. Over 7,000 runners ran the 10K which provided a constant stream of camaraderie and support through the park. Though there is jostling, I enjoy being surrounded by other runners at the same pace and finding people ahead of me to catch up to.

I also loved the festive nature of the race. Many runners wore Tartan or Scottish football jersey along with the temporary tattoos they gave out. There was a Scottish band at the start and finish and bagpipers lined the course along with the usual crowd support.

All I wanted after the race was an ice pack for my knee and hip so instead of sticking around the post-race I trotted back to my apartment. I think it’s gotten to the point that I need to see a doctor about this. I’m a little disappointed in the lack of care and guidance my primary doctor has given me since this has been a chronic problem so hopefully she can refer me to a specialist. It’s nothing major, but it’s obviously a problem and I want to find the cause and ensure it doesn’t keep happening. I’ll keep ya posted.

18 miles in the bank

I’ll admit it, I have not trained properly for the DC Marathon which is less than two weeks away. I have plenty excuses: I’ve been really busy with work, school apps, the weather, etc. I know I should have gone to the gym or run around CP more, but I just…didn’t.

Granted, I’ve still worked out consistently, just not as much as I should have. The only double digit runs I’ve done since the Philly Marathon was a half marathon at the end of January, a 15 miler, and this past weekend’s 18 miler. I highly doubt I’ll PR, but at least I’ll be in DC with my friends and running with Laurie, so a finishing time doesn’t really matter. I’ll get redemption at the NJ Marathon in a weeks.

Despite being exhausted, I had a decent run on Sunday. I added some new songs to my running playlist and off I went to enjoy the bout of decent weather. The park was PACKED with runners, walkers, roller bladers, bikers, dogs, horses, etc. Unfortunately by my third loop of the park, the roads were dark and empty.

I felt confident during the miles and learned that I should have brought more water. Only a few more weeks until the fountains are turned back on, sigh. Unfortunately my knee started aching around mile 15, but I shook it off. Came home, went grocery shopping, did laundry, putzed around THEN I felt shooting pains around me knee. I iced and bengayed and barely slept because every position was awkward or painful. Ugh, this is NOT what I need.

I was on my feet most of the day yesterday and the pain was excruciating at times. Sigh. Today it feels better and instead of running tonight I’ll hop on the bike to get a decent cardio work out and continue to ice. It’s nothing serious, just annoying.

Gridiron 4 miler and how I froze my face off

The DC Marathon is 41 days away, ohhhh crap!

I really need to get my long runs in. I’ve been doing 10-13 on Sundays for the past few weeks, but I need to step it up to 16-22 soon. I ran the New York Road Runners Gridiron Classic 4 Miler this morning and decided to run to the start (1.5 miles), run the race, then do about a loop and a half in the park for 15 miles.

When I left my apartment at 8:15 am, it was 14 degrees, but the “real feel” was 1 degree. The air simply HURT my lungs, it was so cold. Other than my filled face, everything else was fine. I wore Under Armor tights, a short sleeved tech shirt, a long sleeved tech shirt, and my Nike lightweight running jacket. I love Nike’s running clothes, they think of EVERYTHING. I’ve had the jacket for over a year and I still find fun stuff on it. Not only do they have helpful reflectors, and stealth pockets, and iPod headphone holder thingies so the cord doesn’t flap, but it has a hand hoods!!! I’m sure it has a real name, but HAND HOODS!!! There’s a little flappy on the inside of the cuff that you can tuck your freezing hands into. Even though I had gloves on, this extra layer of support helped suppress my hypothermia. Also, Smart Wool running socks are heavenly.

Lots of people came out for the sold out race, and everyone was equally bundled and freezing. Despite the inclines and moderate wind, I ended up PRing this race. I didn’t expect it since I definitely didn’t go all out, but it was a nice surprise. Especially since after the 102nd Street transverse, I couldn’t feel my face.

Afterwards, I think I passed someone who shit themselves. Or they fell in mud. Since the person (I couldn’t tell if it was a guy or girl due to the bundling) was small and super thin, they could have been really fast and placed in this points race so IF they did have to go to the bathroom, there may not have been time for that. They had on tights, so there is no hiding that. Or it could have been sudden. Who knows, but that sucks and I stared because even if it was mud, it looked like poop.

So I set out for my loop and a half and didn’t make a full loop. I was honestly SO COLD. Not only was my face absolutely numb, but I was shivering from the cold while running. I called it in after I reached the west side of 96th (still about 5 miles) and ran to Whole Foods. I took the bus across town back to my apartment and after unloading, I immediately went to the gym to finish up the miles.

I have a little guilt in not finishing everything outside, but I just couldn’t. I was miserable and my body was not being as productive as it could have been. I’m done with winter and apparently we’re supposed to get substantial snow on Wednesday. This does NOT fit into my schedule!!

6 days, music & waffles!

OMG SIX DAYS. SIX!!!!

So I need to make my running playlist, email me with any suggestions, especially since my current long run lists are stale. I need to make about a 6 hour playlist since after 2-3 minutes I get mired and skip to the next song. I probably won’t listen to my ipod to whole time due to the crowds, but still… I’m so bad at picking running playlists since I usually listen to indie or way melodic stuff that doesn’t lend well to running fast. My iTunes is full of sad sad slow songs. Heh, I recently told Morgan that my running playlist compromises of songs that a 15 year old girl listens to. It’s almost embarrassing, though it’s heavy on the Jay-Z, Kanye, Common, Kelly Clarkson, and Switchfoot. I’m not posting it…half of it’s credible though, so no fear.

I think I’m still full from last night. So so so good. But first, I love NYC:

I ran 10 easy miles in Central Park around dusk. It’s been a while since I’ve ran at that time in the park and I’ve missed it. The sky was an amazing kaleidoscope of blues, purples, oranges, and pinks while broken with the buildings and their lights. The park streetlights started to come on and everything was picturesque. While meandering through the park, I felt so lucky to be able to see this, to experience it. I know I’ve been complaining about a lot lately, how barely anything I’m involved with is going well, but those solitary moments made me feel special that this was mine. That I get to be apart of this, this city, this atmosphere, this mystery, all of it and it’s all exciting.

Everything will work out just fine…no matter how many situations can fall apart, The Lake will always be there. Friedsam Carousel will still spin. The CNN building will tell me the time and temperature overtime I approach 65th Street. The Guggenheim will peek between the trees whenever I feel like I’m lost in the woods. And the Still Hunt statue will be there for me perched on top of Cat Hill when my quads are screaming. I will be fine. when all else fails, this city, this park will always be there for me when I need the support and reaffirmation that everything will turn out the way it should.

After the breezy run, I quickly changed and was scooped up by Dan and Emily for an evening of feasting at Melba’s. IT WAS AMAZING. Good conversation was had and we gorged ourselves on delicious food. Both Dan and Emily had the southern fried chicken entrees and I had the mac and cheese and eggnog waffles with strawberry butter and syrup. My two favorite things in one dish? Yes, please. And we topped the meal off with red velvet cake (another favorite) and triple chocolate mousse cake. A food coma was had shortly after. Highly recommended.

8 days, weather…

EIGHT DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE MARATHON…

“Sometimes, I wish that I was the weather
You’d bring me up in conversation forever
And when it rained, I’d be the talk of the day”

Weather Channel says it will be a low of 42 and a high of 51, with showers

Accu Weather says it will be a low of 48 and a high of 63, with sunshine and patchy clouds

Well, that’s comforting. It will be warmer than I expected and possibly soggy. I can deal with running in the rain, but rain will probably translate to less spectators along the course. I also don’t know if I should reconsider what I’m going to wear. I was going to wear pants…but if it will be on the warmer side, perhaps shorts? Game day decision?

And by the way, I’m so in love with my new shoes. For the first time ever, I’m an 8. Usually I’m a 6.5 – 7.5 in shoes, but since I have problems with my toes bruising, my new kicks are a half size bigger to account for the trauma. I did an easy 8 around Central Park (one loop around, a loop around the reservoir, a bit of the bridle path) and no pain, no blisters, no chafing, and they’re definitely not white any more…!

I think I may be troubled by seasonal affective disorder. I’ve been such a grump during these past few gloomy days. I snapped at so many people yesterday… :-/ Then I drank nearly two bottles of wine at a show last night to get rid of my sads, then had a full nights worth of really weird dreams. Like, everyone I knew were in those dreams. People I talk to every day, and people I see ever so often. They were so real and so detailed…very confused when I woke up. I still feel out of sorts, and perhaps it’s because I feel defeated in every sense: friends, work, running, relationships, life, etc… Oh well. Breakfast then heading out to play tour guide for my Saturday visitors .